Ian
Gillan had a virus the previous three days to the concert, but to me
his voice was in fine form. However, I could tell that the after-effects
of the virus and the Portsmouth heat / humidity got to him just a bit.
He later mentioned that "Gillan's Inn" is exciting . . . looking
for a September release."

Steve Morse was superb as always . . . athere was one RB heckler in
the audience who became a Morse fan after witnessing "The Well
Dressed Guitar". Steve's stage presence, and his interaction
with the audience and the rest of the band was awesome. Backstage, he
commented when
he saw me with my family, "Now that's the way to bond with a family".
He then proceeded to tell us that his son first went to a DP concert
when he was six, without earplugs (Hollyn and Colby wore excellent earplugs)
and still fell asleep!

Ian
Paice was solid on the drums, and a delight as always. Don Airey was
superb, a great choice to replace Jon Lord. Afterwards I told him how
much I enjoyed his K2 CD (it is excellent). "Perfect
Strangers" was the best versionI have ever heard . . . Don seems
to be basking in the spotlight which has engulfed him in Deep Purple.

Roger
Glover made us feel right at home. Paula was quite humbled that a rock
star of his stature would walk back to his dressing room and get us
a bottle of water . . . a true gentleman. He said that the band had
wanted to play a song from the new album, but did not have a chance
to rehearse in Pittsburgh or in Portsmouth . . . so, you DP fans down
the line are in for a treat . . . please tell us how it sounds!! He
mentioned that the new album is due in October (fingers crossed), and
also that he was working on a new solo album (yes!). Oh yeah . . . his
playing was superb, he and the band are having such a good time.

DP
fans down the road are in for an excellent show . . . expect more songs
from "Bananas" (they played mostly old stuff because Portsmouth was
having a festival called "Harborfest" so the band anticipated a "holiday"
crowd expecting to hear the old stuff) and one or two from the new record.
I look forward to your reports!